Reciprocatory drive means for treatment of movable webs

ABSTRACT

A reciprocating drive means for carrying or actuating tooling through an operating cycle for intermittent treatment of webs of film such as synthetic resin films, paper, or the like while disposed at a work station. The tooling is normally arranged generally transversely of the web, and the driving means includes a pair of generally parallelly arranged lever elements, one on either side of the web, which levers are operatively coupled through mechanical linkages to the tooling means. A reciprocatory driver or drive means is coupled to one of the levers, with a transverse rod being utilized to couple the driven lever to the lever element disposed on the opposite side of the web.

Gal

RECIPROCATORY DRIVE MEANS FOR TREATMENT OF MOVABLE WEBS Inventor:

Assignee:

Filed:

Appl. No; 390,482

Carl G. Gal, Attleboro, Mass.

G. T. Schjeldahl Company, Northfield, Minn.

Aug. 22, 1973 llnt. Cl 826d 5/10, B26d 5/18 Field 01 Search 83/626, 625, 624, 630,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 Feb. 18, 1975 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,094,402 2/1962 Germany 83/632 Primary Examinerj. M. Meister [57] ABSTRACT A reciprocatingdrive means for carrying or actuating tooling through an operating cycle for intermittent treatment of webs of film such as synthetic resin films, paper, or the like while disposed at a work station. The tooling is normally arranged generally transversely of the web, and the driving means includes a pair of generally parallelly arranged lever elements, one on either side of the web, which levers are operatively coupled through mechanical linkages to the tooling means. A reciprocatory driver or drive means is coupled to one of the levers, with a transverse rod being utilized to couple the driven lever to the lever element disposed on the opposite side of the web.

20 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures [II/l r l 1 I i l I I 1 g j 1 r r 11 I l 111 I l L [1111/ PATENTEU FEB 1 81975 SHEET 1 WJENTEU FEB 1 8 I975 SHEET 3 OF 9 PATENTED FEB] 81975 SHEET 5 BF 9 SHEET 8 OF 9 PATENTED 1 8 I975 N Em RECIPROCATORY DRIVE MEANS FOR TREATMENT OF MOVABLE WEBS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an improved reciprocating driving means for controllably driving tool elements which are used for intermittent treatment of webs of film, such as plastic film or the like. The tooling is normally mounted on the surface of a transversely disposed tool mounting system, such as a cross-bank tool retaining device or the like, and the drive means requires only a single driver such as a liquid or pneumatic driven hydraulic cylinder, with a single stroke of the cylinder in one direction moving the tooling per se through one complete reciprocatory operational cycle, including strokes in two directions of motion. Thus, in a single stroke with the actuating member, a complete cycle of motion is obtained with the tooling.

In the past, a variety of techniques have been employed for providing driving motion to tooling which is arranged in a transverse relationship to a movable web of work, such as plastic film or the like. Generally speaking, however, parallel crank arrangements, dual cylinder systems, or the like have been employed, and these systems have been inherently slow. The primary problem has been the 1:1 relationship of the drive means to the tool retaining fixture. For example, when double acting fluid cylinders are employed, a substantial period of time may be required for completing both the approaching and the departing strokes of the tooling. In certain applications, spring-return cylinders have been employed with similar problems with timing and reliability. The reciprocating driving means of the present invention provides a scheme for accomplishing parallel line motion between laterally disposed mounting means, with a toggle linkage system being provided whereby a work retaining fixture may be rapidly raised and lowered by means of a single driving cylinder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, and in accordance with the present invention, a reciprocating driving means is provided for intermittent treatment of webs of film mate rials at a work station which comprises a reciprocating drive means which is coupled to the tool retaining fixture through mechanical linkage means which linkage means are arranged to drive the working portions of the tooling into contact with the film to be treated. First and second linkage means are provided, with these linkage means being disposed generally laterally across the web and with one end of a lever means forming a part of the linkage means being coupled to the work or tool retaining fixture adjacent one end thereof. At the opposite lateral side or edge of the web, there is provided a second linkage means which includes a second lever element which is operatively coupled to the first lever element through a transversely extending coupling arm. The motion in the first lever element is transmitted directly to the second lever element so as to achieve or obtain generally parallel line motion at opposite ends of the transverse tool retaining fixture. The arrangement is such that a single stroke on the reciprocatory driving means provides a complete cycle of motion for the tool retaining fixture, so as to enhance and simplify the actuation mechanism.

The reciprocating driving means of the present invention are particularly adapted for use in combination with web treating apparatus having driving means with intermittent periods of draw and dwell. The tooling means will be appropriately actuated during the dwell portion of the cycle, it being understood. however, that the system could be rendered operational with continuous motion machines by simply providing a movable mounting carriage on the frame. As examples of operations, it will be appreciated that the system is readily adaptable for use with a working head which includes cutter devices such as film punches or the like. Similarly, by controlling the length of the stroke, surface treating tooling could be employed as well.

By proper design of the laterally disposed linkages, parallel line motion is achieved, with this motion being substantially simultaneous, and substantially equal in amplitude so as to achieve proper movement of the tool retaining fixture.

The reciprocating driving means of the present invention may also be employed either above or beneath the plane of the film, since the mechanism is arranged to function while disposed in either operational position.

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved reciprocating driving means for use in connection with treatment of movable webs of film, wherein laterally disposed toggle linkages are provided whereby the tool means may be driven in a complete reciprocatory operational cycle by means of a single stroke of the driver.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a reciprocating driving means for driving a tool retaining fixture for intermittent treatment of webs of movable film, wherein a reciprocatory drive means is provided, with a single stroke of the drive means arranged to move the tool retaining fixture through one complete operational cycle relative to the work including both approaching and departing motions.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved reciprocating driving means which is particularly adapted for tool retaining fixtures for intermittent treatment of webs of plastic film, the driving means retaining the tools in a plane spaced from the web, wherein a single stroke of a reciprocatory drive means coupled to the tool retaining fixture provides a complete operational cycle for the retaining fixture.

Other and further objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the following specification, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRlPTlON OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a web treating system and illustrating a work station employing the reciprocating driving means of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the work station illustrated in FIG. 1, and showing details of the reciprocating driving means of the present invention;

FlG. 3 is a front elevational view of the work station illustrated in FIG. 2, with the center portion of the station being broken away for purposes of clarity, and with the supporting frame means being shown in vertical sectional view;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, and illustrating in solid'lines, the disposition of the reciprocating driving means at a first normal rest position, and illustrating in phantom, the disposition in a second normal dwell position;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrates the progressive succession of motion of the reciprocating drive means as the driving cylinder moves from a fully retracted position in the arrangement shown in FIG. 5A, to a fully extended disposition in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5C. with the cylinder being at mid-range in FIG. 53;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 66 of FIG. 5B, with this view being shown on a slightly enlarged scale;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 77 of FIG. 58, with this view also being shown on a slightly enlarged scale;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion only of a punch assembly which may be employed as a cross-bank perforator driven by the reciprocating driving means of the present invention, and illustrating the coupling point between the driving means and the cross-bank perforator;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating driving means prepared in accordance with the present invention, and illustrating typical dimensional arrangements as are set forth in detail in Table I of the specification hereinafter;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a work station of a modified form of linkage mechanism, with FIG. 10 being generally similar to FIG. 2, with the exception being that certain modifications are present in the linkage employed;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, and illustrating in solid lines, the disposition of the reciprocating driving means at a first normal rest position, and illustrating in phantom, the disposition in a second normal dwell position, with FIG. 11 being otherwise similar to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows l2l2 of FIG. 10, with FIG. 12 being shown on a slightly enlarged scale;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows l2l2 of FIG. 10, with FIG. 12 being shown on a slightly enlarged scale; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a reciprocating driving means prepared in accordance with the modification illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, and illustrating typical dimensional arrangements which are otherwise set forth in detail in Table II of the specification hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and with particular attention being directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the reciprocating driving means generally designated 10 is illustrated as being operatively coupled to tool means 11 for intermittent treatment of web 12. Web 12 is obtained from supply roll 13, and is guided across elevation controlling idler roll 14 prior to its entry into the web supporting means generally designated 15, which preferably are in the form of a plurality of supporting conveyor rollers, webs or the like, with a pair of draw rolls, not shown, being positioneddownstream for con trolling the motion of the web 12. Preferably, web 12 is driven intermittently by the draw rolls, such as, for example, in that certain film web system disclosed and claimed in US. Pat. No. 2,997,889, Intermittent Engine, dated Aug. 29, 1961. It will be appreciated that other systems may be employed as well, including that system disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,947,345, Machine for Making Articles from Multiple Thermoplastic Webs," dated Aug. 2, I960. The frame means for supporting the entire structure is illustrated at 17, with the system including upright posts 18 and rails 17 and 19.

The work station for the tool means 11 is illustrated at 20, with the tool means being shown in the form of a film perforator or punch, such as a cross-bank perforator of the type illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,550,494, Multi-Punch System for Flexible Film Products, dated Dec. 29, 1970. It will be appreciated that a variety of tool means may be employed for web treatment, in addition to film punches and film slitters, such as, for example, welding or cutting bars, indicia printing elements, and the like, it being appreciated that the reciprocating driving means of the present invention are most readily adaptable for use in connection with punches or perforators.

In order to support the reciprocating driving means and other components making up the work station 11, a pair of generally vertically arranged posts 22 and 23 are provided, with these posts being otherwise coupled to horizontal rails 17 and 19. These posts, 22 and 23, provide a laterally arranged supporting means for the work station. The tool means 11, as indicated in FIG. 2, provides a plurality of working head portions 2525 in the form of film punches, which are disposed between posts 22 and 23. In their normal disposition, working heads 25-25 are disposed in a plane spaced from the web so as to permit intermittent advance and dwell of the film web pursuant to ordinary film drawing techniques.

With attention being continued to be directed to FIG. 2, mechanical link means such as the links 27 and 28 are provided which couple the head of the tool means 11 to the reciprocatory drive means proper, with lever elements 30 and 31 forming a major component of each laterally disposed drive means. As is indicated, reciprocatory driver means generally designated 33, as illustrated in FIG. 2, includes a cylinder portion 34 along with an output member 35, output member 35 being in the form ofa cylinder ram or rod. A transverse rod such as the rod 36 is employed to couple the first lever means 30 to the second lever means 31.

Each of the levers 30 and 31 have a plurality of points of attachment formed therewithin. With attention being directed to FIG. 3 of the drawing, these individual points of attachment will now be discussed. Lever element 30 is formed as a bell crank means having a pivotal mounting point formed therein as at 40, with this pivot point establishing a point of attachment to the frame, and with the bell crank means having arms 41 and 42 extending outwardly therefrom. Arm 41 has a single point of attachment as at 44, with this point of attachment being coupled directly to the mechanical output member 35 of cylinder 34. The arm 42 has a pair of attachment points, including attachment point 46 which is attached to transverse arm 36.

Turning now to lever element 31, it will be observed that this element has three points of attachment, the first point 48 being located at a point first adjacent the web plane, and being pivotally coupled to link means 27. Attachment point 49 is arranged to receive a mounting pin from the frame support member 22A, while attachment point 50 is arranged to receive the free end of transverse arm 36, or a portion thereof.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 6 and 7 wherein the details of attachment are shown in greater detail, including a description of the stationary mounting points, as well as the mounting points for the pivotal members. FIG. 6 illustrates the physical arrangement of lever 31, and it can be seen that the stationary point is provided about pin 55 which is in the form of a shoulder bolt, with this member having a sleeve 56 arranged thereover. Sleeve 56 is also provided with a shoulder as at 57 for retaining resilient washer means or the like 58 therewithin. Thus, the system is held intact between first and second sleeve elements 56 and 59, sleeve 59 being welded to the surface of lever 31 as illustrated. The attachment to transverse arm 36 is illustrated at the upper portion of FIG. 6, while the attachment to link 27 is illustrated at the lower portion thereof. Conventional cap screws or the like with nuts may be utilized to secure transverse arm 36 and link 27 to lever With attention being directed to FIG. 7, the method of attaching lever 30 to the system is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and hence the components carry the same identification numerals. However, for purposes of clarity, transverse arm 36 is coupled to the bell crank or lever element as illustrated, and link 28 is coupled, where indicated. Conventional bolts and nuts may be employed to secure attachments of transverse arm 36 and link 28 to lever 30.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 4 of the drawings wherein the motion of cylinder 34 is illustrated as being translated into motion for the reciprocating driving means, as well as for the tool retaining means. In the solid line portion of the structure, the system is illustrated with the rod or ram 35 fully retracted into cylinder 34, while the phantom view illustrates the disposition of these components with the cylinder rod or ram 35 in fully extended disposition. In either instance, therefore, the tool retaining means or fixture 11 will be in substantially the same position, such as is illustrated in solid lines.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C of the drawings wherein the disposition of the reciprocating driving means is illustrated during downward or extended motion of rod 35 from cylinder 34. In FIG. 5A, the cylinder 34 has rod 35 in fully retracted disposition therewithin, and the arrangement is such that the tool retaining means or fixture 11 is in its full upper or retracted disposition. In other words, tool retaining means 11 is elevated from the plane of web 12. As the cycle commences, rod 35 is driven outwardly from cylinder 34 by virtue of the introduction of fluid thereinto. A simple system for fluid introduction is illustrated in FIG. 1, with fluid supply line 60 delivering fluid under pressure to valves 61 and 62, with line 63 coupling line 60 to valve 62. Valves 61 and 62 are conventional in design, and are preferably actuated electrically in time with the draw cycle so as to achieve an operating cycle of the reciprocating drive means during the dwell period of the web 12.

As the rod 35 extends outwardly from the cylinder 34 at a point of full extension, the disposition illustrated in FIG. 5C will be presented.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 8 of the drawings wherein the cross-bank perforator utilized in the system is illustrated. The structure of the perforator bank is disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,494, Multi-Punch System for Flexible Film Products," dated Dec. 29, I970, referred to hereinabove. The perforator further includes guide pins which are secured in movable tool retaining means 11, as indicated. A stripper plate may be added to the assembly and disposed immediately above the plane of the film, and having bores to receive the shank of the individual punch elements. The stripper plate facilitates web movement and handling relative to the moving punch elements.

Pin receiving bore 71 is formed in pad 11A, as is illustrated. Thus, pin 70 may reciprocate within pin receiving bore 71 so as to control and guide the movable member 11 relative to pad 11A. As shown, pad 11A is resiliently clampingly engaged or secured to frame rail 17 by means of clamping sleeve 72 which retains rubber sleeve 73 with bolt 74 which is secured to frame 17 through mounting lug 74.

In FIG. 9 a schematic illustration is provided giving a dimensional analysis of one operative embodiment. Lever elements 30 and 31 are illustrated in phantom and the various absolute dimensions and angular relationships are provided in Table I hereinbelow:

Tie-Rod Length with distance between Pivot Points, centerto-centcr being 58.5 inches 58.4584 inches A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 inclusive, with this modification utilizing linkage elements which are designed somewhat differently from those set forth in the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 inclusive. Essentially, however, the mechanism functions in the same fashion, and achieves the same advantages as those set forth in the modification of FIGS. 1-9, with a somewhat smoother operation being possible with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. In the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-l4, similar numerical designations will apply to similar components which are present in the two embodiments.

With particular attention being directed to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the reciprocating driving means generally designated is illustrated as being operatively coupled to tool means 111 for intermittent treatment of a web similar to web 12 and its system in the previously described embodiment. Preferably, this web is driven intermittently by draw rolls, such as, for example, in that certain film web system disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,997,889, Intermittent Engine," dated Aug. 29, 1961. It will be appreciated that other systems may be employed as well, including that system disclosed and claimed in US. Pat. No. 2,947,345, Machine for Making Articles from Multiple Thermoplastic Webs," dated Aug. 2, 1960.

The work station for the tool means 11 is as previously illustrated, with the tool means being shown in the form of a film perforator or punch, such as a crossbank perforator of the type illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,550,494, Multi-Punch System for Flexible Film Products, dated Dec. 29, I970.

In order to support the reciprocating driving means and other components making up the work station 111, a pair of generally vertically arranged posts 22 and 23 are provided, with these posts being otherwise coupled to horizontal rails 17 and 19. These posts, 22 and 23, provide a laterally arranged supporting means for the work station 111. The tool means 111, as indicated in FIG. 10, provides a plurality of working head portions as previously described in the embodiment of FIGS. 19.

With attention being continued to be directed to FIG. 10, mechanical link means such as the links 127 and 128 are provided which couple the head of the tool means 111 to the reciprocatory drive means proper, with lever elements 130 and 131 forming a major component of each laterally disposed drive means. As is indicated, reciprocatory driver means generally designated 33, as illustrated in FIG. 10, includes a cylinder portion 34 along with an output member or rod 35. Transverse rod such as the rod 136 is employed to couple the first lever means 130 to the second lever means 131.

Each of the levers 130 and 131 have a plurality of points of attachment formed therewithin. With attention being directed to FIG. of the drawings, these individual points of attachment will now be discussed. Lever element 130 is formed as a bell crank means having a pivotal mounting point formed therein as at 140, with this pivot point establishing a point of attachment to the frame, and with the bell. crank means having arms 141 and 142 extending outwardly therefrom. Arm 141 has a single point of attachment as at 144, with this point of attachment being coupled directly to the mechanical output member 35 of cylinder 34. As seen in FIG. 13, the arm 130 has a pair ofattachment points, including attachment point 145 which is secured to the link 128, and attachment point 146 which is attached to transverse arm 136.

Turning now to lever element 131, it will be observed that this element has three points of attachment, the first point 148 being located at a point first adjacent the web plane, and being pivotally coupled to link means 127. Attachment point 149 is arranged to receive a mounting pin from the frame support member 22A, while attachment point 150 is arranged to receive the free end of transverse arm 136, or a portion thereof.

The details of attachment of the linkage assembly of FIGS. 10-13 are essentially the same as those described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. l-8 inclusive.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 11 of the drawings wherein the motion of cylinder 34 is illustrated as being translated into motion for the reciprocating driving means, as well as for the tool retaining means. In the solid line portion of the structure, the system is illustrated with the rod or ram 35 fully retracted into cylinder 34, while the phantom view illustrates the dispo- TABLE II Item 1 Absolute Value Dimension A 0.50 inch Dimension B 2.75 inches Dimension C B minus A Dimension D 2.28 inches Dimension E 2.75 inches Point F pivot Dimension H 2.25 inches Cylinder Stroke 3 inches Tie-Rod Length with distance between Pivot Points. Centerto-Center of Members I30 and 131 being 58.5 inches 58.4584 inches With these dimensions having been given, it would appear that one could provide a basis for utilizing the concept with the dimensions given, or with appropriate scale-up or scale-down, as required.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that toggle action is accomplished in opposed recipicatory up-and-down directions by arrangement of the components as set forth herein. In this structure, the tie rod is attached below the pivot point of one lever and above the pivot point on the other laterally disposed lever. It has been found that this linkage arrangement reduces, and substantially eliminates lateral movement of the crossbank perforator. Obviously, other tool means or web treating means may be employed, wherever contact with the film surface is necessary.

I claim:

1. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising:

a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station;

b. tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member;

c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web;

d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with said first lever element being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said second lever element being coupled to said first lever element by a generally transversely extending arm;

e. said first lever element including a pivotally mounted crank means having first and second arms extending outwardly from said pivot mount, with the first arm having at least two points of attachment, each being spaced a finite distance from the plane of said web, and with the first point of attachment being pivotally coupled to said tool means, and with the second point of attachment being pivotally coupled to said transversely extending arm, and with said second arm being pivotally coupled to said mechanical output member;

f. said second lever element including a pivotally mounted lever arm means attached to said frame means, and with one arm of said lever being pivotally coupled to said tool means, and with the second arm of said second lever element being pivotally coupled to said transversely extending arm whereby motion of said mechanical output means in directions toward and away from said web plane are each translated into reciprocatory to-and-fro motion in said tool means.

2. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.

3. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said working head portion includes means for penetrating a web of film.

4. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 3 being particularly characterized in that said working head is a generally circular punch.

5. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said lever elements are each coupled to said tool means at attachment points disposed at points most closely adjacent the web of said film.

6. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim I being particularly characterized in that resilient coupling means are provided between said mechanical output member and said first lever element.

7. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are interposed to mechanically mount said tool means to said frame means.

8. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said transversely extending arm is normally disposed in canted relationship to the plane of said film.

9. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means has a stroke sufficiently long to cause the completion of a cycle of operation in the tool means.

10. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim I being particularly characterized in that said first and second lever elements are coupled to said tool means by pivotally mounted links which extend in converging relationship, one to another, toward the plane of said film.

11. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim ll being particularly characterized in that the ends of said transversely extending arm are coupled to said first and second lever elements at first and second discrete elevations from the plane of said web, and wherein the ratio of said discrete elevations is substan tially 0.94.

12. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said linkage causes substantially simultaneous parallel-line motion from one end of said tool means to the other.

13. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising:

a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station;

b. tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member moving between retracted and extended dispositions;

c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web;

d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with said first lever element being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said second lever element being coupled to said first lever element by a generally transversely extending arm and with each of said lever elements being pivotally coupled to said frame means;

e. first and second angularly'disposed mutually converging mechanical link means coupling said tool means to said first and second laterally spaced lever elements, said first and second laterally spaced lever elements having first and second normal dispositions corresponding to said retracted and extended dispositions of said mechanical output member respectively, with each of said normal dispositions retaining said tool means with said working head portions in a plane spaced from said web of plastic film, and with those dispositions intermediate said normal dispositions moving said mechanical links through an extended dead-center disposition which is more closely adjacent the plane of said web of plastic film so as to move said working head portions through the plane of said web of film.

14. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 13 being particularly characterized in that guide means coupled to said frame means are disposed along said tool means for controllably moving said tool means through a cycle of to-and-fro reciprocatory motion in a substantially single plane upon each single stroke of movement of said reciprocatory drive means.

15. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 14 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.

16. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 14 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are provided for coupling said guide means to said frame means.

17. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising:

a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station;

b. rigid tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member;

c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web;

d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with one of said lever elements being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said first and second laterally spaced lever ele- 12; ments being coupled together by a generally transversely extending arm; I

e. each of said lever arms being coupled to said tool means at points spaced a first finite distance from the plane of said web, and with each of said lever arms being pivotally mounted to said frame means at points of pivotal contact, with said points of pivotal contact being spaced a second finite distance from the plane of said web; and

f. said generally transversely extending arm being coupled at one lateral end thereof to a first of said lever arms at a point between the plane of said web and said point of pivotal contact, and with the other lateral end of said transversely extending arm being coupled to the oppositely disposed lever arm at a point spaced outwardly from said point of pivotal contact to said frame means and the plane of said web, whereby reciprocatory motion of said output means in mutually opposed directions are each translated into reciprocatory to-and-fro motion in said tool means.

18. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that guide means coupled to said frame means are disposed along said tool means for controllably moving said tool means through a cycle of to-and-fro reciprocatory motion in a substantially single plane upon each single stroke of movement of said reciprocatory drive means.

19. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.

20. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are provided for coupling said guide means to said frame means.

* l =o= a 

1. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising: a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station; b. tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member; c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web; d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with said first lever element being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said second lever element being coupled to said first lever element by a generally transversely extending arm; e. said first lever element Including a pivotally mounted crank means having first and second arms extending outwardly from said pivot mount, with the first arm having at least two points of attachment, each being spaced a finite distance from the plane of said web, and with the first point of attachment being pivotally coupled to said tool means, and with the second point of attachment being pivotally coupled to said transversely extending arm, and with said second arm being pivotally coupled to said mechanical output member; f. said second lever element including a pivotally mounted lever arm means attached to said frame means, and with one arm of said lever being pivotally coupled to said tool means, and with the second arm of said second lever element being pivotally coupled to said transversely extending arm whereby motion of said mechanical output means in directions toward and away from said web plane are each translated into reciprocatory to-andfro motion in said tool means.
 2. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.
 3. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said working head portion includes means for penetrating a web of film.
 4. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 3 being particularly characterized in that said working head is a generally circular punch.
 5. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said lever elements are each coupled to said tool means at attachment points disposed at points most closely adjacent the web of said film.
 6. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient coupling means are provided between said mechanical output member and said first lever element.
 7. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are interposed to mechanically mount said tool means to said frame means.
 8. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said transversely extending arm is normally disposed in canted relationship to the plane of said film.
 9. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means has a stroke sufficiently long to cause the completion of a cycle of operation in the tool means.
 10. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said first and second lever elements are coupled to said tool means by pivotally mounted links which extend in converging relationship, one to another, toward the plane of said film.
 11. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that the ends of said transversely extending arm are coupled to said first and second lever elements at first and second discrete elevations from the plane of said web, and wherein the ratio of said discrete elevations is substantially 0.94.
 12. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said linkage causes substantially simultaneous parallel-line motion from one end Of said tool means to the other.
 13. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising: a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station; b. tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member moving between retracted and extended dispositions; c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web; d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with said first lever element being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said second lever element being coupled to said first lever element by a generally transversely extending arm and with each of said lever elements being pivotally coupled to said frame means; e. first and second angularly disposed mutually converging mechanical link means coupling said tool means to said first and second laterally spaced lever elements, said first and second laterally spaced lever elements having first and second normal dispositions corresponding to said retracted and extended dispositions of said mechanical output member respectively, with each of said normal dispositions retaining said tool means with said working head portions in a plane spaced from said web of plastic film, and with those dispositions intermediate said normal dispositions moving said mechanical links through an extended dead-center disposition which is more closely adjacent the plane of said web of plastic film so as to move said working head portions through the plane of said web of film.
 14. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 13 being particularly characterized in that guide means coupled to said frame means are disposed along said tool means for controllably moving said tool means through a cycle of to-and-fro reciprocatory motion in a substantially single plane upon each single stroke of movement of said reciprocatory drive means.
 15. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 14 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.
 16. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 14 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are provided for coupling said guide means to said frame means.
 17. Reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film at a work station and comprising: a. stationary frame means defining said work station and having means supporting a web of plastic film for movement through said work station; b. rigid tool means extending generally laterally across said web supporting means and having opposed first and second ends with at least one working head portion operatively secured therebetween, and reciprocatory drive means coupled to said frame means with said reciprocatory drive means having a movable mechanical output member; c. said stationary frame means including means for normally retaining said tool means in a plane spaced from said web; d. mechanical linkage means coupling said tool means to said reciprocatory drive means and arranged to drive said working head Portions of said tool means into contact with said film; said linkage means including first and second laterally spaced lever elements disposed generally laterally across said web with one of said lever elements being coupled to said mechanical output member, and with said first and second laterally spaced lever elements being coupled together by a generally transversely extending arm; e. each of said lever arms being coupled to said tool means at points spaced a first finite distance from the plane of said web, and with each of said lever arms being pivotally mounted to said frame means at points of pivotal contact, with said points of pivotal contact being spaced a second finite distance from the plane of said web; and f. said generally transversely extending arm being coupled at one lateral end thereof to a first of said lever arms at a point between the plane of said web and said point of pivotal contact, and with the other lateral end of said transversely extending arm being coupled to the oppositely disposed lever arm at a point spaced outwardly from said point of pivotal contact to said frame means and the plane of said web, whereby reciprocatory motion of said output means in mutually opposed directions are each translated into reciprocatory to-and-fro motion in said tool means.
 18. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that guide means coupled to said frame means are disposed along said tool means for controllably moving said tool means through a cycle of to-and-fro reciprocatory motion in a substantially single plane upon each single stroke of movement of said reciprocatory drive means.
 19. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that said reciprocatory drive means is a double-acting fluid actuated cylinder having a power ram arranged for reciprocatory motion.
 20. The reciprocating driving means for tool means for intermittent treatment of webs of film as defined in claim 17 being particularly characterized in that resilient means are provided for coupling said guide means to said frame means. 